Saturday 20 April 2019

New Music Friday 19/04/19

Madonna - Medellín (with Maluma)

Madonna - Medellín (with Maluma)

This is hardly the first time Madonna has pinched from elsewhere. Vogue took a dance from New York's underground scene; Hung Up sampled ABBA for a disco reboot. Yet, where in the past she's been at the forefront of discovery and trends, the last few years have seen Madonna playing catch up. Medellín, from her forthcoming album 'Madame X', is no exception. It's as if she and her label execs had a board meeting to discuss what's hot right now. Reggaeton was the inevitable conclusion, complete with feature from Colombia's (misogynistic) Maluma, clichéd lyrics about "a cartel just for love", and breezy melodies that float away into non-existence. There's still room for the album to be a worthwhile listen, but put your expectations in check and slow down papi.

Don't bother.



Carly Rae Jepsen - Julien

Carly Rae Jepsen - Julien

Jepsen stated on Instagram that Julien taught her the heart and direction of forthcoming album 'Dedicated'. It's certainly got heart - its lyrics depict raw heartbreak, honest and haunting - but the production is all squelchy disco, breathy melodies and spacey club sounds. This is funk to get you out of a funk, paving the way for another brilliant pop album.

Add to playlist.



Kygo & Rita Ora - Carry On

Kygo & Rita Ora - Carry On

Next month sees the release of the Detective Pikachu film, a weird, bizarre and hilariously real world take on Nintendo's franchise. Why, then, has this generic track been chosen to lead the soundtrack? All Kygo songs sound the same and Rita is phoning in the vocals (originally meant to be Charlie Puth). A bland and soulless cash-in.

Don't bother.



SZA, The Weeknd, Travis Scott - Power Is Power

SZA, The Weeknd, Travis Scott - Power Is Power

Speaking of cash-ins, this track is taken from 'For The Throne' - music inspired by Game of Thrones now that its final season is here. Fans will recognise the title as a reference to a conversation between Littlefinger and Cersei from season two; non-fans will at least appreciate nods in lyrics like "I was born of the ice and snow with the winter wolves". Sonically it sounds like an cast-off from the Black Panther soundtrack - not necessarily a bad thing, but not overly original either.

Worth a listen.



Au/Ra - Assassin

Au/Ra - Assassin

Jamie Lou Stenzel, better known by her stage name Au/Ra, is still best known for her hit Panic Room thanks to its Camelphat remix. But her unique gothic pop is as much a reflection of the younger generation as, say, Billie Eilish. Panic Room was a comment on anxiety, while on new track Assassin she moves on to self-sabotage and reflection, underscored by seductive electronica.

Add to playlist.



No Rome - Cashmoney

No Rome - Cashmoney

This is the latest track from The 1975 collaborator, who recently appeared with the band at Coachella and will continue to tour with them. There's certainly a similar vibe to his music, but on Cashmoney No Rome luxuriates in sharp production: laidback, twinkling, and polished. Which is fitting for a song about money and designer brands.

Worth a listen.